TOM WATSON HAS described Rory McIlroy as “a hot and cold player” after the youngster’s poor showing at The Players Championship.

McIlroy’s place at the top of the world rankings was in jeopardy after he shot four-over par and missed the cut at Sawgrass for a third successive year, although he hung on to top spot when Luke Donald could finish no better than sixth.

That disappointment came off the back of a second-place finish in Quail Hollow the previous week and his ragged showing has Watson, an eight-time major winner himself, worried.

“He seems hot and cold,” said the American, who cannot understand McIlroy’s inconsistency (Sky Sports).

He hasn’t played too well in recent times, but he seems like he’s a hot and cold player. I don’t know why that should be.

He seems like he’s got such a rhythmic golf swing he should never miss a shot with that thing.

McIlroy started the season by rising to world number one, continuing an unbroken run of top 10 finishes which ended at 11 when he finished in a disappointing tie for 40th at the season’s first major, the Masters.